Registration has opened for the African Tourism Investment Summit in partnership with African Business Group, a dedicated summit for tourism investors and associated investment opportunities that will take place from April 11-12 as part of the World travel Market Africa (WTMA) 2019 programme.

The Summit will host keynote speakers who will share their experience in facilitating tourism investment opportunities throughout the African continent.

Though investment in the tourism field is at the heart of the Summit’s focus, speakers, networking opportunities and master classes will also open up access to lateral sectors that contribute to the industry. Plenary discussions will outline the scope of opportunity across Africa, while breakaway sessions will help connect interested parties and uncover solutions for partnerships.

“The African Tourism Investment Summit has grown from a short session on the WTM Africa programme, into a stand-alone event on the back of huge demand – illustrating that there’s huge untapped investment potential in the African tourism space,” says Carol Weaving, MD of Reed Exhibitions. “The event will, amongst many other things, facilitate meetings between serious investors and businesses and individuals offering viable, valuable investment opportunities in the continental tourism space, offering unprecedented growth opportunities.”

Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of Africa Business Group, and Co-Convener of the African Tourism Investment Summit, says new policy such as the Single African Air Transport Market and the Continental Free Trade Area are opening up new avenues for increased travel, trade and tourism on the continent. The African Union’s ‘Tourism Action Plan’ has also designated the sector as an important catalyst for inclusive economic growth.

“Growing the tourism industry across Africa is an obvious way to boost economies and generate huge opportunities for communities to develop themselves and their infrastructure,” he says. “Yet, for the sector to realise its true potential and live up to its role as a key driver of economic growth, more investment will be needed in enabling infrastructure, human capital, and the tourism services sector – and we hope to establish the Summit as a key platform where stakeholders and investors can engage and explore project opportunities.”